Interesting Desert Iguana Facts

The Desert Iguana, also known by the Binomial name Dipsosaurus dorsalis, is a reptile species particularly adaptable to arid regions such as the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. With their light scaly skin and perfectly shaped claws, the Iguana is able to withstand high desert temperatures, hide from predators, dig burrows for protection, and store enough water to hibernate all winter.

Read the most important key facts about the survival of iguanas in the deserts of the United States and what adaptations they must make in order to survive harsh climate conditions and potential dangers. Our facts sheet about the Desert Iguana includes interesting facts for kids about this reptile's habitat, hibernation period, size, characteristics, diet, predators, adaptations, lifespan and lifecycle!

Interesting Facts about the Desert Iguana:- Discover Fun Desert Iguana Facts for children with Factsmania! Learn how the Desert Iguana has developed to survive life in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts where the weather is hot and dry most of the time, and there is a distinct lack of water and vegetation to feed on.

Interesting Facts about the Desert Iguana:- Discover why reptiles are important and how they endure life in hot biomes avoiding threats from potential predators. Check out interesting Desert Iguana facts based on their location, habitat, characteristics, predators, diet, size, lifespan, hibernation period, adaptations, and lifecycle.

Interesting Desert Iguana Facts for Kids

Desert Iguana Fact File for Kids:- Scientific Name Facts: The Iguana is also known as Dipsosaurus dorsalis ***Family: The Iguana belongs to the Iguanidae Family *** Iguana Classification: Reptile *** Iguana Size: up to 61cm long*** Iguana Lifespan:  8 years to  10 years *** Hibernation Period: Late October to Mid-March

Interesting Facts for Kids 1:- What does a Desert Iguana look like?
The Desert Iguana is a medium-sized lizard than can grow up to 61 cm, including its tail. The color of this reptile can vary from pale grey-tan to cream. It has a light brown reticulated pattern on the back of its body and sides. Starting from the centre of its back, the Desert Iguana has a row of dorsal scales that get bigger towards its tail. Desert Iguanas have pale bellies and their tails are white or grey with black rings around it.

Interesting Facts for Kids 2:- Where does the Desert Iguana live?
The Desert Iguana can often be seen living in the Sonoran Desert, the Mojave Desert and in some islands from the Gulf of California. This species has also been spotted in southern Nevada, south-central Arizona, south-west Utah, east and south Baja California and in north-west Mexico.

Interesting Facts for Kids 3:- What is the size of a Desert Iguana?
The size of a Desert Iguana is dependent on many aspects. Some iguanas can grow to 40cm long, while others surpass this, and grow to as long as 61 cm. The habitat in which these reptiles live has a great influence on its overall size. Because Desert Iguanas are used as pets, captured Iguanas seem to be longer. One of the possible reasons for this is that Desert Iguanas found living in the wild, have to defend themselves from predators, and in case of danger, the Desert Iguana can tear their tail, offering themselves a chance to escape their predators.

Interesting Facts for Kids 4:- What is the lifespan of a Desert Iguana?
A Desert Iguana normally lives from 8 to 10 years, depending on conditions of its environment. If it is kept in captivity, chances are that the Iguana will live longer. There were cases reported where the Desert Iguana lived for about 17 years.

Interesting Facts for Kids 5:- What is the lifecycle of a Desert Iguana?
The Desert Iguana ends its hibernation period in mid-March. The breeding period usually occurs following hibernation, between the months of April and June. The Desert Iguana is oviparous, and they will lay egg clutches. Normally, a female Desert Iguana has one egg clutch per season, but it is possible that she can lay two egg clutches. One egg clutch can contain between 2 to 10 eggs. In an attempt to protect their eggs, females dig burrows underground in which to deposit them. After the eggs have been laid, the Desert Iguana will cover them with soil and leave them. Hatching takes about a month to a month and a half. Once the eggs have hatched, the little lizards have to protect themselves. They reach sexual maturity around 31-33 months old.

Interesting Facts for Kids 6:- What is the diet of a Desert Iguana?
Desert Iguanas are herbivorous. They eat buds, fruits and leaves from both perennial and annual plants. This particular reptile species seems to favor the yellow flowers of the creosote bush. The Desert Iguana's diet is very important because it helps it obtain and preserve water. Although it does not need much water, the Desert Iguana maintains its hydration levels through the consumption of plants that retain water.

Interesting Facts for Kids 8:- What are the adaptations of a Desert Iguana?
Many animals living in harsh climates try to change the pattern of which they do things, for example, turning into nocturnal or crepuscular animals in order to avoid potential threats and the heat of the day. The Desert Iguana is different to many animal species, as it continues to be active during the day. One big advantage that makes this reptile so adaptable to the desert and its arid temperatures, is its ability to change color. In the morning, the Iguana's skin is darker so it can absorb the heat from the sun. When temperatures rise, the Desert Iguana changes color, and becomes paler. On very hot afternoons, its skin turns almost white in order to disperse heat. The Iguana's skin and scales act as a camouflage in the desert land, helping them avoid predators. Their bodies blend into the landscape very well as their scales look like little rocks. Most of the time, the Desert Iguana can be seen in rocky fields.

Interesting Facts for Kids 9:- What is the habitat of a Desert Iguana?
The Desert Iguana lives in sandy, arid regions such as the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts in the United States. They create their habitats between rocks and under the shade of creosote bushes. Sometimes the Desert Iguana lives in old, abandoned Kangaroo rats burrows. They use their claws, which are perfectly shaped, to dig burrows. Although life in the desert is not always easy, the Iguana seems one of the most perfectly adapted animals to this type of biome.

Interesting Facts for Kids 10:- When do Desert Iguanas hibernate?
Iguanas begin their hibernation period from late October and hibernate for the whole of winter. They usually stop hibernating in mid-March, when they come out of their burrows and start to search for breeding partners. Once they are ready to breed, their stomach changes color. It turns from pale to a pink color, both male and female.

Interesting Facts for Kids 11:- Desert Iguana Pets:
More and more people are interested in having a Desert Iguana as a domestic pet. In order to so, owners must follow strict rules regarding the cage and conditions they must provide in order to care for the animal properly. Owners have found different ways to feed this type of reptile. They feed them fruits like grapes and oranges, and also little insects such as crickets. There are famous designers that have launched clothing lines for this kind of pet. Many animal organizations are against the use of Iguanas as pets and consider it cruel for lizards to be held in captivity. Unfortunately the black market for exotic animals is one of the most profitable in the world, among drugs and diamonds.

Interesting Facts about Desert Iguana for Kids